June 14, 2006

This is an exceptional video produced by a Gamecock fan using Van Halen's Right Now. Best part is the self-deprecating comments about the Independence Bowl. Who knew the coots could make fun of themselves?

You may be asking yourself....why a Gamecocks video on a Dawg site?

The answer is...the very thing that's great about college football is shown in this video.

Let's all be honest here. The Gamecocks don't have enough tradition to put in a soup bowl, and even if they did...they would just lose the bowl. They had a 7-5 season and lost a crapper bowl to a school most of their fans didn't even know fielded a football team. But they remain fired up and optimistic. So optimisic that 50% or more of their fans probably got choked up watching a video about a season that would've gotten a UGA coach fired.

That's what's great about college football. They may have a crappy tradition, but it's THEIR crappy tradition. They may have a stupid mascot, but it's THEIR stupid mascot. And Steve Spurrier may be a penis with a mouth, but he's THEIR penis with a mouth.

And no matter how much I make fun of them, they aren't going to stop being proud of their half empty soup bowl of tradition. Personally, I think that's awesome. Annoying to deal with in person, but awesome in theory.

Right now I cannot imagine spending the time to put together a presentation like that after a mediocre season. Florida is STILL owned? I am a DAWG and even though I would love for Florida to be owned, I have to admit that is the moronic statement of the century.

That made me laugh, folks we got nothing going here, I'll let you in on a secret, it will end the same as Holtz, the good news is I have idiot fans that act like I won a national championship after a 7-5 season. I can work on my golf game and get paid for the next 10 years if I want. Not a bad gig if you ask me. Florida wanted me to actual work and I would have to win something there. 6-5 here I come.

Well, I think you hit the nail on the head that it's "our crappy tradition."

I, being a 27-year-old USC grad and lifelong fan, have just gotten over it. Heck, there's not much we can do about our lack of tradition, so why should we have to apologize for it.

I like to think that really your average Gamecock fan thinks this way, or at least the ones who know anything about anything.

Where you run into problems is the overzealous, "OMG, NATIONAL CHAMPZ 2006, GAMECOKZ R TEH W00TE5T!!ONE!" fans, a lot of whom are prevalent on these Internets.

In the end, a lot of other fans of other schools might look down on me for being excited about my team in 2006. Note, I just said "I'm excited." No predictions, no "we're gonna cut UGA/UF/UT's ass open."

I'm just excited about my team this year. And if you're not excited about your team, no matter who you pull for, then why are you following a team in college football?

Right now, I'm remembering how much I absolutely cannot stand these losers.

They have the weakest tradition in the Southeastern Conference, so they blow every victory out of all proportion. How else do you explain a fan base that would put together such a video to celebrate a single-season improvement from 6-5 to 7-5?

"Right now, Florida is still owned"? Could there be a more forthright admission that the Gators are going to gig the Gamecocks in The Swamp next fall?

The title of this video should be "South Carolina . . . Like Georgia Tech Without the Academic Standards!"

1:33 Anonymous, we fired Jim Harrick (both of them, in fact) for violating University of Georgia standards, academic and otherwise, but that isn't the point.

Since you root for a school that obviously imposed no academic standards upon you, permit me to explain. I will try to use small words so as not to lose you.

Georgia Tech fans are losers who root for a loser program. They are sore winners because winning is so foreign to them. However, Georgia Tech is a good academic institution (and it used to have good football program).

South Carolina fans are losers who root for a loser program. They are sore winners because winning is so foreign to them. However, South Carolina is a poor academic institution (and it never had a good football program).

See if you can get a Clemson graduate to help you connect the dots if you're still having trouble following me.

Oh, by the way . . . it takes a big man to smart off without having the guts to sign your name to it. Nice work, Anonymous! Way to stand up for the Gamecocks!

Since you seem fixated on basketball, though, maybe I should have suggested that the video be named "South Carolina . . . Where N.I.T. Champions Aren't Born, They're Made!"

Kyle King thinks I should reveal my name, so here it is: "Kyle King is a king-sized butt plug"
said...

I don't think many Gamecock fans would brag about South Carolina's tradition. On the other hand, UGA fans will tell you they are the greatest program in the history of college football. Right up there with storied programs like Notre Dame, Michigan, and Alabama. Rule of thumb: anyone that has to tell you how great they are probably really isn't that great. IMO, UGA's best traditon is having drunken, toothless rednecks that never even graduated high school, much less attended UGA, bark at you for 60 minutes. Kyle King - you are the man. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise, sport.

Kyle King thinks I should reveal my name, so here it is: "Kyle King is a king-sized butt plug"
said...

Oh, and I forgot to mention another great UGA tradition. UGA plays "between the hedges". Well guess what? About 6 other teams in the conference have "hedges" as well. I guess UGA's hedges are just so special that they are superior to any other hedge that grows on this planet. Truly one of the great traditions in all of college football.

Here's a thought. For such a "loser program," you sure have a lot of topics about the Gamecocks on this site. There's certainly something Freudian going on here. Maybe you should ask the Vatican about the DaVinci Code? Negative publicity is publicity, and you're just fueling the fire in Columbia - seems just about every week these days. I know Gamecock fans everywhere appreciate your efforts - they are clearly on your mind more than they should be if they suck so bad.I guess if I was an UGA fan, I'd be thanking the Gamecocks for putting UF away last year so I could go to the game in Atlanta - afterall, beating UF was something not even the mighty dogs could do...

As a rule, true Carolina fans do not puke -- they know how to hold their liquor. Except for the 'necks that crow at you when you leave the game. I mean, I really enjoyed my time at Carolina, but imitating a chicken is not something OK to do, even when you're wasted.

South Carolina is ranked number 2 in the SEC in terms of academics. Only Vanderbilt is ahead of them. South Carolina is ranked number 2 in the SEC in terms of giving back to the University. Only Vanderbilt is ahead of them.

For the record, I've been going to Athens for the Carolina game every year since 1995. I've never been flicked off more than I have been at Georgia, and I've never had full bottles of water and alcohol thrown at me anywhere than Georgia. That university and its fan base is full of nothing but classless, arrogant individuals, and it's going to be very special to beat them in September.

The Princeton Review's 2005 ranking of institutions of higher education, The 357 Best Colleges, ranked South Carolina as the top public university for academics in the Southeastern Conference, behind only Vanderbilt University, a private institution. Criteria for academic ratings in the publication include the student-to-faculty ratio; the percentage of faculty and graduate teaching assistants teaching undergraduate courses; class sizes; and the accessibility of faculty. The Princeton Review's ranking also showed Carolina is the third-most selective school in the SEC in terms of undergraduate acceptance rates; is third-best in the SEC in undergraduate class sizes; and is one of only five schools in the SEC that had an increase in the percentage of high-achieving freshmen (top 10 percent of high school class and increased high school GPAs) enrolling in 2002 and 2003.

The University of South Carolina is among the nation's premiere research institutions, according to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

USC has been designated a research institution of "very high research activity." The classification, which is the foundation's highest, places USC in the same research category with Harvard, Duke, Emory, Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt universities, as well as the universities of North Carolina and California at Berkeley.

USC is the only university in South Carolina to have this designation, granted to 62 public and 32 private research institutions.

The Carnegie classification system, considered the leading research classification system, recently underwent a comprehensive revision to group similar institutions. It is based on factors such as the number of faculty involved in research, research expenditures in science and engineering and the number of doctoral degrees awarded by an institution.

Dr. Harris Pastides, USC's vice president for research and health sciences, said the Carnegie classification has been the nation's most widely used independent indicator of a university's research standing.

"This recent re-formulation ranks Carolina in the upper echelon of research universities, and we are honored to be in this league," he said. "It's a validation of the extraordinary work of our faculty."

The classification also reinforces the fact that Carolina's research faculty are nationally competitive in securing major grants and awards. In 2004 - 05, the university received a record $166.2 million in research, outreach and training programs.

"The quality of research on our campus is being recognized among the top academic and research institutions in the United States," said USC President Andrew Sorensen. "Clearly, our research reputation is growing."

USC's research success is having an impact on institutions of higher education across the Palmetto State. Last year, USC was selected as the lead institution for a $17.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to bolster biomedical research throughout the state. The award is being shared with six other colleges and universities in South Carolina. USC and Claflin University are collaborating on a $7.5 million NIH grant for research on HIV/AIDS and cancer.

"A real strength of USC's research program is the partnerships that we have forged with colleges and universities throughout the Palmetto State," said Sorensen, who has set a goal of $266 million in research funding by 2009 - 10. "These partnerships support research that will improve the lives of South Carolinians and enhance our state's economy."

As one of the nation's leading research institutions, USC must enhance its research environment, Pastides said.

"The Carnegie classification underscores that having a top research program requires quality research facilities," he said. "Developing our research campus Innovista is vital in our goal of attracting the nation's best scientists as well as the young, emerging leaders in their chosen research fields."

Carolina also is working to ensure that undergraduate students have opportunities to learn from these scientists. USC recently created the Magellan Scholar Program to enrich the undergraduate experience through research opportunities in science, engineering, technology, medicine, theater, art and other disciplines.

In addition to the category of "very high research activity," the Carnegie Foundation also has two other research designations: "high research activity" and "doctoral/research universities."

USNews loses all credibility when ranking UT, Auburn, and 'Bama ahead of South Carolina. Do any of these schools have any nationally ranked programs? South Carolina has nationally ranked programs in undergraduate business, graduate and undergraduate international business, psychology, political science, sociology, etc. Average SAT scores for 2005 freshmen at South Carolina are equal to or greater than these schools.

It has SC at #52 best public university by USNews. UGA is #18 best public university.

Otherwise, it looks like you've got a great nursing, international business school masters program and a whale of a PE Department.

Congrats on that.

Hint: Sign that your law school isn't impressive...when you issue press releases saying that you're in the "Top 100". LOL! Your law school is ranked 97th and our law school is ranked 34th. You're tied with Georgia State...a commuter school.

Why don't you guys just issue a release saying, "We're better than Marshall!"

Kyle King thinks I should reveal my name, so here it is: "Kyle King is a king-sized butt plug"
said...

pwd,

My argument is not that South Carolina is a better school, although some previous posters have tried to make that argument. The point I'm trying to make is that you are wrong when you say that "academics and South Carolina don't belong in the same sentence."

My problem is with the USNews rankings. After extensive research, I fail to see how schools like UT, Auburn, and 'Bama are ranked higher than SC. I'm still trying to figure out what these 3 schools are known for, other than football. Based on FACTS, there is really no legitimate reason for these 3 schools to be ranked higher than SC.

clemscum is ranked higher. Why? Average SAT score are similar for both schools. A business degree from CU is virtually worthless. Clemson claims to be an engineering school, yet they consistently rank behind their peers (GIT and NCSU) in almost everything. Clemson is known for its textile engineering program. Congratulations on being known for educating people that are going into a dying industry.

you are all a bunch of immature little punks with nothing better to do than try to knock on another school for no apparent reason. If i came to a Georgia fans house and screwed their wife and put a big carolina stamp on her forehead after i was finished maybe then could you bitch at us, but jesus. If we are such a shitty school then why do any of you even give a damn? chill out people.

Kyle King thinks I should reveal my name, so here it is: "Kyle King is a king-sized butt plug"
said...

Dear PWD,

I guess I was in a rush to finish typing my response, so I in inadvertently misspelled "institution". I offer my sincerest apologies, as I would not want to diminish the quality of the thought provoking topics that are discussed on the blog with a misspelled word.

By the way, when referring to UGA as a fine institution, I didn't mean an academic institution. I meant the kind of institution that houses the mentally unstable. Have a great day.

Best Wishes,Kyle King thinks I should reveal my name, so here it is: "Kyle King is a king-sized butt plug"

"clemscum is ranked higher. Why? Average SAT score are similar for both schools. A business degree from CU is virtually worthless. Clemson claims to be an engineering school, yet they consistently rank behind their peers (GIT and NCSU) in almost everything. Clemson is known for its textile engineering program. Congratulations on being known for educating people that are going into a dying industry."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think UGA has had 4 Rhodes Scholars in the last 25 years. Herschel Walker, Andre Hastings, Garrison Hearst, and that mental heavyweight Quincy Carter.Quincy was also a huge proponent of charitable giving. Why one sunny September afternoon in Williams Brice he donated 5 balls to our team (during the course of the game). What a truly selfless individual!!After that game, The Bulldog team gathered around Coach Donnan and expounded on the Academic superiority of their revered institution--Then they all took the SAT agin just for kicks. That should demonstrate just how seriously UGA takes their academics.Chill out you ignorant Cock fans---You'll never be able to compete with perfection

David Pollack scored a 1540 on the SAT. He would have scored a 1600, but his motor was running too fast. He overheated during the last few questions of the exam, thus comming up a few points short of the ever elusive "1600".

My question is why the hell is everyone getting so worked up over this when no one is going to win this argument? Calm down. I've been to 2 football games, 6 baseball games, and 2 basketball games in Athens and for the most part was treated well. I've only had 2 run-ins with classless fans: a full bottle of Jim Beam that was thrown at me as I was walking around causing a nice little gash and bruise on my arm (seriously...who wastes liquor like that)and the drunk guy who tried to take a swing at me because I was pushed into him coming out of the stadium (by the way I'm 5'9 and about 120...would I really intentionally push someone?. Both isolated incidents I'm sure. Every team has "those fans", the one's that make everyone else look bad. I enjoy myself in Athens and try to make it down there when the 'Cocks play the Dawgs. I've grown up a Gamecock and freely admit the lack of winning tradition here, but that's not why I'm a fan. I love the atmosphere on gamedays, the campus, and the passion and loyalty that surrounds the program. If that offends you or bothers you, that's fine, it won't bother me in the slightest.

As for academics...both schools offer great educations. I was fortunate to be offered a full scholarship by both schools and chose USC because they offered a public relations program that was close to home. I'm going to get a good job regardless of whether my degree says the University of South Carolina or the University of Georgia because both schools journalism programs are well respected.

College athletics thrives on the fans being able to give and take some punches in good fun. Taking it to extremes by getting overly heated on an online blog is just absurd. Arguing on the internet is about as pointless as trying to find a reason to want Florida to win at anything.

With all that being said...Good luck to UGA in the CWS. Hope you represent the SEC well and send as many ACC schools packing as you wish.

Nice to see you UGA fans getting a dose of what the Clemson fanbase puts up with year-round.

South Carolina is a decent academic school with several good programs - as is Clemson, but it is like comparing apples to oranges.

Athletically, USC sucks. Period. They are the Chicago Cubs of college sports. This year, Clemson has Top 25 nationally ranked (men's) teams in football (21), baseball (3 rank and 1 seed for NCAA Tourney), soccer (3) and Golf (8).

USC has won two NIT tourneys, but each year, Clemson has beaten them on the courts. Our basketball team isn't great, but I could argue that the are better than Carolina's too.

Enjoy listening to that crap, DawgFans. Believe me... most Clemson fans would rather "retire" USC as our main rival and start playing you guys every year. You beat us more often than not, but at least it would be fun and competitive.

First off, Paul, I take severe offense at the law school comment, as you'd understand, although I must admit I was rather upset when I saw my numbers when in the upper half of what Georgia accepted in US News, yet I've been banished eastward for a law degree.

And the Chickens crowing about some of UGA's athletes? From the school of Derek Watson, Demetrius Summers, Ricardo Hurley, and OH SO MANY others.

Gawd almighty, do you guys ever remind me of a bunch girls arguing about who has the best prom dress.

Its football people. Why the hell would anyone care who has a better school? We watch and discuss football so we can forget about the jobs we hate that we got after we could no longer get away with drinking beer on a Tuesday morning before deciding to have the cold pizza for breakfast after sleeping till 11 AM.

David Pollack scored a 1540 on the SAT. He would have scored a 1600, but his motor was running too fast. He overheated during the last few questions of the exam, thus comming up a few points short of the ever elusive "1600".

Now, whatever you want to say about South Carolina as a school try not to talk smack about Spurrier, I'm just saying don't go there, especially if you're a georgia fan, or I might have to bring up some facts and statistics which really don't reflect well on the Dawgs.

Sweet Jesus, what's up with you kids? I have yet to figure out why Georgia fans like to run smack on Carolina. Frankly, Carolina is a great school with beautiful gals and a great football atmosphere. And also loses. Frequently. You don't see Alabama fans running smack on Ole Miss. I mean, I understand Clemson fans being jealous (they must hate it that Carolina students actually HAVE all their teeth), but if I were a Georgia guy I'd direct my animosity at Florida and Tennessee, where it belonged.

One thing that I think is worth mentioning is that at the University of Georgia there is actually a budget and bathroom facilities for transgender students and staff. I do believe the Dawgs have spent too much time on football (well not in '06…where were you guys anyways?). I think over the next three years we will all see a shift. With more money, students and career football players coming into Carolina in '07 than any other SEC school it's going to make for nice adventure and a great reward for the most loyal fans in America.